Clients.

Atlantic Airways.

Atlantic Airways is the national airline of the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago of 18 islands that lies in the Atlantic Ocean, mid-way between Scotland and Iceland. Atlantic Airways was named European Airline of the Year (Bronze) for 2012-13 by the European Regions Airline Association – a fitting accolade ahead of the celebration of its Silver Jubilee in 2013. Atlantic Airways has achieved success and growth despite one of the world's most challenging aviation environments, its base on the mountainous island of Vágar being afflicted by low cloud and, in certain wind directions, severe air turbulence caused by the rugged terrain.

Despite these challenges, Atlantic Airways is profitable and operates successfully, not only throughout Europe, but as far away as South America. It is also a pioneer, leading the introduction in Europe of a revolutionary satellite-based automatic approach system that enables crew to approach Vágar through the mountains, in cloud, as though they had full visibility. The system has hugely improved the reliability of Atlantic Airways operations, drastically reducing the number of occasions on which aircraft have to divert to airfields an hour's flight time away in neighbouring countries.

What we do.

Gravity's relationship with Atlantic Airways dates back to 2002 and has its origins in Stan Abbott's time in charge of partnerships while at Gill Airways. Because Atlantic Airways carries more people to the Faroe Islands than its competitor, the Smyril Line ferry, the airline has always understood that it has a role as national ambassador and promoter of the islands' special appeal to adventurous tourists.

Gravity's role with Atlantic therefore began with the organisation of familiarisation visits for UK media and media relations in the UK and Ireland. A step change came in 2006 when the airline launched services between London and Shetland and, with significant marketing support from Shetland, the opportunity arose to invest in both the Shetland and Faroe Islands destinations at a level previously unseen, with a London Underground campaign being a cornerstone of activity. Although Gravity helped Atlantic Airways achieve huge growth on the Shetland route, the economic downturn, combined with the surge in fuel prices and challenging operating conditions at Shetland forced withdrawal from Shetland route after three years.

Gravity continues to provide the airline's UK marketing and media relations in support of its twice weekly summer service to London and Stan Abbott is also retained to deliver strategic business support as well as media relations with the specialist aviation media. We love our Faroese business and Stan in particular has come to regard these remarkable islands as a second home, making four or five visits annually.